Research opportunity

Yesterday morning, whilst going about my business, one of my new neighbours stopped me in the street for a chat. A likeable chap from a few doors down, who was returning home from his Sunday morning activities. I could see he was laden down with a huge bag made of camouflage material. Anyway, my surprise and interest in his activity was immediately clear. He began to explain where he’d been, to target practice at a local site used for ‘field target’. I’d never heard of it before. Now, this is where I love my inquisitive nature - which aligns perfectly to being an author. The next ten minutes were spent explaining and showing me what pellet is fired, the distance covered, the scope and understanding the range and trajectory of the tiny pellet. Seriously, this is typical me nipping out to my car to collect an item, returning fifteen minutes later and heading towards the internet to learn more about the sport. A further ninety minutes later, I’ve watched numerous YouTube clips, costed the price of an air-rifle and written a stack of notes for my ‘potential ideas’ file.
 
Purely by chance, I bumped into the same neighbour on the evening. He explained to the person he was with that we’d spoken earlier in the day. His face was a picture when I explained that I’d completed some research, made notes of targets and had stashed the details in my ‘potential book idea’ as a suitable interest for a future character. This is how I was able to include mountain biking in ‘Taking a Chance on Love’ as a former colleague of mine was a dedicated biker. He’d explained most Monday mornings how he’d hurled himself and his bike over the edge of a dramatic drop all in the name of excitement. The mountain rescue element in ‘Reunited at Lakeside Cottage’ came from a family acquaintance who’d spend entire weekends in Snowdonia National park waiting to be called for a rescue mission. Even the palliative nursing included in ‘The Single Girl’s Calendar’ was linked to the occupation of the wife of someone I knew, who performs such an incredible role. 
 
Never under estimate the curiosity of this author, when my interest is spiked by a new snippet of information, an unknown hobby or creative pursuit – I make the most of every opportunity. Though it goes without saying, my neighbour learnt just as much about the new woman from down the road and her occupation.         

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